Replacement suspension level sensor linkage

[coronaman]

Morning All,

A few days ago I got the yellow suspension warning light while driving, and upon inspection the front suspension on my A8 D3 is permanently set to it's highest level, looking quite odd!

I had a look underneath and it seems as though this has been caused by the ball joint failing in the level sensor linkage on the front near side, so the sensor (which was left in it's highest position - i.e. lowest car ride height) was no longer connected to the lower wishbone.

Pleased that the issue seemed to be a simple mechanical fix, I've attempted to find a replacement part but a new linkage is only available with a new sensor at an Audi price of ~£200 which, frankly, I don't want to pay for a tiny linkage! Although a replacement used part is cheaper, I'm concerned that it will be similarly worn to the one that's just gone on mine and not last much longer.

Does anyone have any ideas about the best way to get hold of a suitable replacement linkage for a reasonable cost? I'm calling around breakers yards to see if anyone's got a broken sensor and attached linkage I can have but am not getting anywhere. It seems a little odd that a ball joint, particularly one in the high wear position this one is, cannot be replaced by itself!

Kind regards,

Simon